Is Your Car’s Starter Stopping?

Put the key in and. . . nothing? If you are having problems getting your car started, then you may be in need of a new starter. While a bad starter can look like other problems with your car, there are ways to tell if the starter has gone bad. Take some time to consider whether the starter is the problem so you aren’t faced with being stranded in the near future. How do you know if your starter is bad? Consider these signs of a bad starter:

The first indication your starter may be going bad is at the moment you try to start your car.

If you turn the key and simply hear a clicking sound, or nothing at all, then it may be the starter. Given the fact that it also could be a problem with the battery, car mechanics recommend trying to turn on the headlights or interior lights. If they light up properly, then the problem is not with the battery and is likely the starter.

Another way to know that the starter is in need of replacement is based on the speed of the start itself.

If it sounds like it takes a bit for your car to crank to a start, then that may also indicate a problem with the starter. Again, the way to tell is by elimination. If the battery is working correctly and fully charged, then Cleveland area auto mechanics will tell you that you are most likely having a problem with the starter.

The last way to know if your starter is going bad is by listening for grinding.

This noise, called freewheeling, indicates that gears in the starter are worn out and are not working properly. You may have heard this noise before. It is the same one that your car makes if it is already running and you try to start it again.

If you do feel your starter is going bad then it may be time to take it in for service.

While changing a starter is not a difficult process, it does need to be done properly by a complete car care center that can make sure the new starter is operating correctly. Rad Air’s professionals would be happy to help. We have locations and auto care mechanics nearby who can accurately diagnose your car starter problem and help you to resolve it. Simply contact one of our locations in Strongsville, Cleveland, Akron, Parma Heights or Medina and let us help you keep your car running.